distressed 1 of 2

Definition of distressednext

distressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distress

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distressed
Adjective
Legislators decided to pour extra money into the towns this year that includes an additional $180 million for education and an additional $100 million to help distressed cities and towns. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 Drewenski said several employees laid off last fall to cut costs had also been reinstated, and addressed the fact that Harvey’s application for financially distressed city status was refused by the state. Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Ecru denim also made an appearance, baggy and distressed for a grittier winter look. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026 The dark wood has been stained and distressed for a rustic finish. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distressed
Adjective
  • Scenarios like these are not uncommon in the largely unregulated, vast industry of youth residential programs aimed at helping struggling kids, according to experts and organizations that track issues with the troubled teen industry.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • However, Russia’s military presence in Africa was pioneered by the Wagner Group, which operated in troubled nations such as Libya, Mozambique and the Central African Republic (CAR) long before.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Children, yes, but families, grown-ups, single people, divorced people, cheerful people, depressed people, dog people, cat people, Dodgers fans, Padres fans, whomever.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • But there are some important factors that could lower their ceiling, namely depressed enthusiasm with some key groups, the fact that there are fewer competitive districts than ever before and the state of the redistricting battle.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Blanchette said the comment alarmed him and immediately turned his focus to Frew’s safety.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Democracy advocates and Democratic Party leaders say they are alarmed by the denialism but say the issue is likely to take a back seat to other voter concerns such as affordability.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Dickinson appeared somewhere between perturbed and seething.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But if anyone ever said grey was the new pink, they were seriously disturbed.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • However, the Jackson family would only stay at the Mediterranean-style dwelling for three years before leaving in 1971, as the excessive noise of the band’s rehearsals disturbed the neighbors.
    India Roby, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to the outlet, the victim became agitated after taking a significant quantity of drugs.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
  • His knuckles tapped an agitated beat on the steering wheel along to soft jazz playing on the radio.
    ‘Pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Yachty distracted referee Daphanie LaShaunn and Sami Zayn used a candy cane stick on Trick Williams.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
  • Others said the changes have distracted Target from basics such as consistent stocking of groceries and having a balanced mix of national brands alongside its private labels.
    Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • United for Business comes with everything that will keep your production moving forward – reduced airfare, special rates for equipment, custom booking options, airport escort services and a dedicated entertainment support desk.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
  • The car detected that the area had been flooded, but proceeded at a reduced speed anyway.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distressed. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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